Sep 19, 2026  
Ohio University 2026-2027 Graduate Catalog 
    
Ohio University 2026-2027 Graduate Catalog

Spanish - MA


Master of Arts in Spanish

Spanish – MA5229
Department of Modern Languages
Gordy Hall, Room 283
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.2765
Esther Hernández Esteban, Graduate Chair, hernandezesteban@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall only

Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None

Program Overview

The Master of Arts program in Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages offers students a rigorous program wherein they learn to analyze literature, become informed observers of linguistic usage, and acquire advanced language and cultural skills. This is a full-time program. Normative time to completion is four semesters (two academic years).

Program Learning Outcomes

Successful graduates of our Master of Arts program will be able to:

  • analyze literary and other cultural products and practices through appropriate theoretical and historical lenses.
  • demonstrate understanding of phenomena in different subfields of Hispanic linguistics.
  • implement teaching strategies in line with current language acquisition theories.

Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the M.A. in Spanish pursue careers in diverse fields. Some continue in academia by entering Ph.D. programs and becoming university professors. Others accept teaching positions in public or private K-12 schools. Some are hired as adjuncts or instructional faculty members in colleges and universities, while others teach abroad through international programs such as Fulbright or agreements with universities or private institutions in other countries. Other graduates pursue non-teaching professional paths such as medical and court interpretation, legal professions, and non-profit work.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/cas/modern-languages/graduate

Admission Requirements

Admission requires a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or graduation from a foreign institution with a degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

The following application materials must all be submitted online prior to January 15th for priority consideration:

  1. Online application form along with a nonrefundable application fee submitted to the Graduate College via the following link: http://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply/. Information on fees, reference forms and graduate programs can also be found at this link.
  2. Official transcripts and diplomas from post-secondary schools, sent to the Graduate College.
    • Students can upload a copy of their transcript, marksheets, diploma and/or degree certificates with their on-line application, but they must also submit official copies by mail. An official transcript is one that arrives in an envelope that has been sealed by the issuing institution.
    • If these documents are not in English, students will need a certified translation into English.
  3. All non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency as described in the Application and Admission  section of this catalog, which includes minimum score requirements for general applicants and those applicants seeking a teaching assistantship. Official scores must be reported from the testing agency directly to Ohio University.
  4. Three letters of recommendation (preferably from professors who can comment on students’ academic progress). A letter from an employer is also very valuable.
  5. A written statement of purpose written in English.
  6. A sample paper written in Spanish. Please choose one of the following options:
  • a paper you submitted for any undergraduate class. Information about the class and the date should be included.
  • an analysis of a literary or cultural product (for example, a book, a poem, a short story, a movie, etc.) that has made an impression on you.
  • an essay describing a time in your life when you had to demonstrate leadership qualities and how the experience helped you grow.

After initial review of applications, the graduate committee will schedule a virtual interview with the strongest candidates prior to making offers of admission.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete a minimum of 48 credit hours as follows:

Coursework Requirements


Elective Courses


Complete at least six more courses (min. 24 additional hours) within the department. Students on a Teaching Assistantship will take SPAN 5640  and a minimum of five elective courses (20 hours).

Requirements for Teaching Assistants


      Students serving as Teaching Assistants must take SPAN 5640 in their first semester of study.

Additional Requirements


All students participate in the organization and running of colloquia and conferences that the Department of Modern Languages hosts.

Students are encouraged to present at conferences whenever possible.

Students are also encouraged to participate in the FLES (Foreign Languages in the Elementary School) program.

Culminating Experience


All students must successfully complete a written and oral comprehensive examination designed to assess the synthesis of knowledge developed during the course of study.